your guide to the world's finest rums

Category: travel

Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery in Pittsburgh

A visit to Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery in Pittsburgh is an opportunity to experience the production of award-winning American rums. Master Distiller Tim Russell presents a successful philosophy and confident approach to his production techniques, delivering an array of fine rums with consistency.

Maggie's Farm Rums on the bar at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

a selection of Maggie’s Farm Rums at the tasting bar with copper pot stills in the background

Located just off the Allegheny River in the Strip District, the rum distillery features a large inviting open cocktail bar space with clear view of the two alembic copper pot stills, fermentation tanks and racks of aging barrels.

Maggie's Farm Rum pot stills at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

two alembic style copper pot stills produce the distillate for Maggie’s Farm Rums

Maggie’s Farm Rum Awards

At least a hundred awards are displayed on Maggie’s Farm Rum bottles, a testament to the positive feedback from professionals, rum judges and tasting events around the world. Numerous Best-In-Show, Double Gold and Best-In-Class awards — including eight from the International Rum Experts and the Rum Jury at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival — speak to the quality of the product from this young American rum company.

Maggie's Farm Rum awards at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

Maggie’s Farm Rums have earned many awards from prestigious tasting competitions

Production Techniques

The first commercial craft rum operation in Pennsylvania since the era of prohibition began as a modest venture — without significant investment or bank loans — to create authentic, unadulterated spirits using the best available ingredients, including Caribbean-derived yeasts and Louisiana Turbinado raw cane products. Long fermentation times — up to three weeks — help deliver high esters and big flavor before careful, rustic distillation techniques serve to retain much of the spirit of cane.

The result is a delightful distillate that serves as the base for the white rums, the barrel aged dark rums and all the natural flavored rums in the lineup. It’s clear from the dry profile that modifiers, sweeteners and extraneous ingredients are not in the recipe for Maggie’s Farm Rums.

distillate from pot still a Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

the fresh clear distillate from the pot still is the base for Maggie’s Farm Rums

White Rum

The White Rum is a delight, offering soft notes of cane and vanilla, with a hint of butter in the finish. It’s a fine base for all of our favorite rum cocktails and makes a nice sipper with a couple of ice cubes.

Single Barrel Rum

In the Single Barrel Rum, we experience the distillate after the mellowing influence of two years in oak casks, picking up more pronounced notes of vanilla, caramel and toasted oak. This small batch aged rum is a sterling example of the craft distiller’s art form, well balanced and complex for a rum of its age.

Queen’s Share Overproof Reserve Series

Perhaps the most notable of the expressions in the Maggie’s Farm Rum lineup is the Queen’s Share Overproof Reserve series. The name refers to the technique of re-distilling the tails — the most flavorful and pungent portions of the distillate to come off the still late in the process — to refine and extract the very best of these components for special barrelings in used rye, Bourbon and sherry casks. The results are intensely rich, higher proof sipping rums that deliver a magnificent intensity, complexity and depth of flavor.

50/50 Dark Rum

An example of creative experimentation exists with the 50/50 Dark Rum, combining their own pot still aged spirits in equal measures with a well-aged molasses based, column-distilled rum from the Caribbean. The 50/50 blend is aged for an additional six to nine months to marry the flavors, resulting a a delightfully complex and well-balanced expression that manages to remain unpretentious and satisfying while offering good value.

Spiced Rum

Taking experimentation to the next level, Tim Russell has developed Maggie’s Farm Spiced Rum, an exceptional expression that wows the rum judges and consumers with its unique blend of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and freshly grated orange zest.

Pineapple Rum

Another variation on the 50/50 concept is the Pineapple Rum, derived by macerating fresh pineapple in dark rum, blended with a vapor distillation of their white rum through pineapple barks to capture the natural oils. These two components are combined to capture the full essence of the fruit in a rich rum base. It’s a complicated technique that delivers an exceptional product.

Old Fashioned Cocktail

A creative riff on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, Maggie’s Farm Old Fashioned starts with rum aged in rye whiskey barrels with additional oak cubes to accentuate the wood notes. A balanced addition of Louisiana turbinado sugar and aromatic bitters creates the base flavor profile for the MFOF bottled cocktail, ready to be poured over ice in a tumbler, accented with a wedge of orange peel.

Falernum

Likewise, rum cocktail enthusiasts know that Falernum is an enticing and mysterious ingredient that makes classic cocktails like Corn and Oil, Three Dots and A Dash, and the Velvet Fog perennial favorites. Maggie’s Farm Falernum is created in small batches using fresh ginger, grated lime zest, toasted whole cloves and toasted allspice berries, added to the white rum. An exceptional ingredient made to the quality standards that defines Maggie’s Farm products.

Coffee Liqueur

Sourcing fresh roasted, fair-trade coffee beans locally, Maggie’s Farm Coffee Liqueur uses the cold-brew technique accented with house-made vanilla extract and a touch of dark brown sugar to achieve a perfect balance.

Hidden Harbor Special White Rum

A recent addition to the fine expressions is a purpose-derived blend for Hidden Harbor tiki bar located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill. The concept was to create a multi-layered white rum to serve as the base for a perfect Daiquiri cocktail, combining Maggie’s Farm white rum, Queen’s Share rum and carefully sourced distillates from Jamaica, Guyana, Martinique, Barbados and Trinidad. The result is distinctly flavorful and aromatic, with a molasses funk and a smooth grassiness that accentuates the true spirit of cane.

Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery Tours

master distiller's tour at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

Master Distiller Tim Russell presents an overview of production techniques for Maggie’s Farm Rums

For American Rum enthusiasts, a visit to Allegheny Distilling in Pittsburgh is a high-priority to experience the source of Maggie’s Farm Rums.

One hour distillery tours on Saturdays are $20, featuring an overview of the fermentation, distillation and aging processes before a tasting of rums and liqueurs at the bar. Guests receive a custom-branded Maggie’s Farm Rum tasting glass as a souvenir. RSVP online.

The Cocktail Bar is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10pm, on Friday and Saturday from noon to 1pm, and on Sunday from noon to 6pm.

Allegheny Distillers, home of Maggie’s Farm Rum, is located at 3212A Smallman Street in Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Call 412-709-6480. https://www.maggiesfarmrum.com/

Saturday tours at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillerythe tasting bar at Maggie's Farm Rum Distilleryalembic coper pot still at Maggie's Farm Rum distilleryaging barrels at Maggie's Farm Rum Distilleryrum resting in barrels

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.
To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.
View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.
Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.
Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.
Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?

Alligator Bay Distillers in Punta Gorda

With a nod to the backwater regions of Southwest Florida, Alligator Bay Distillers is a family-run operation producing a line of boutique rum products from their production facility in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Alex Voss at Alligator Bay Distillers

Alex Voss with Robin and Robert Burr at Alligator Bay Distillers

Alex Voss grew up in Naples, a small town south of Fort Myers. In 2012, he moved to Maui, Hawaii where he learned to make rum. He started as an apprentice and worked his way up to distiller at Haleakalā Distillers.

Returning to Naples, Alex brought home his knowledge of cane spirit production, collaborating with family members to launch their own facility in 2015.

While Alex concentrates on rum production, brother Ben Voss leads the marketing efforts and serves as chief mechanic at Alligator Bay Distillers.

We arrived on a Saturday afternoon for a look around and a tour of the facility. Alex welcomed us and spoke of his process and philosophy of making rum at Alligator Bay Distillers.

Starting with molasses from Clewiston — the legendary sugar town near Lake Okeechobee — Alex has perfected his fermentation process with an ideal active dry yeast strain that thrives in the warm humid climate of Southwest Florida. The fermentation process takes seven days and produces a rum mash with an alcohol content of 8%.

The distillation process involves double distillation in a traditional copper pot still to 70% abv, retaining much of the molasses and cane flavors in his distillate.

The aging room is completely filled with resting oak barrels. The aroma of rum and wood is enticing — and certainly whets the appetite for the next stop on the tour — the tasting room.

Alligator Bay rums

Alligator Bay rums

Indeed, the clear rum retains a true flavor of cane and serves as the base for the spiced rum. The Sun Gold rum is lightly aged and the addition of Black Mangrove honey offers a nice finish. The Saba Treasure offers a subtle hint of fennel.

The rum that brings home the most awards is the chocolate-infused Dark Rum. This boutique specialty took home a gold award in the 2017 RumXP international tasting competition at Rum Renaissance Festival.

With a motto of “cane to bottle,” the small batch rums made by Alex Voss at Alligator Bay Distillers are distinguished by his artisan hands-on approach to production.

The distillery is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm, starting on top of the hour, at 25522 E Marion Ave. Punta Gorda FL, 33950.

Call 941-347-8419 or email: info@alligatorbaydistillers.com. Visit the web site at: http://alligatorbaydistillers.com/


For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Caribbean Rum Cruise Sets Sail on November 19

Rum Enthusiasts are gearing up for the annual Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise through the Eastern Caribbean islands featuring VIP rum tours of iconic distilleries. This Caribbean Rum Cruise adventure sails from Fort Lauderdale on Monday, November 19 for 11 days, with an itinerary that includes Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and Antigua.

Leading the VIP rum tours are veteran rum writers, collectors and hosts of the Rum Renaissance Festival Robert and Robin Burr.

Caribbean Rum Cruise - A modern cruise ship is the ideal resort for an Eastern Caribbean rum adventure.

A modern cruise ship is the ideal resort for an Eastern Caribbean rum adventure.

VIP Distillery Tours

“We’ve inviting our rum friends to join us during the Thanksgiving holiday season as we explore some of the best and most interesting rum production facilities in the world,” said Robert Burr. “We’ll go behind the scenes to see how rum is produced by Don Q Rum, Brinley Shipwreck Rum, St. Lucia Distillery, River Antoine, Clarke’s Court, St. Nicholas Abbey, Mount Gay, West Indies Distillery and Antigua Distillery before returning to Fort Lauderdale for an optional visit to South Florida Distilleries.”

Caribbean Rum Cruise - The classic copper pot stills at Mount Gay distillery in Barbados

The classic copper pot stills at Mount Gay distillery in Barbados

Easy Logistics

The Caribbean Rum Cruise is an ideal way to visit many islands without the hassles associated with airports, security and strict limitations on luggage imposed by airlines. “We don’t go through customs and immigration when leaving the ship each day at our island destinations. It’s so easy to discover rum and collect our favorites along the way.”

Caribbean Rum Cruise - Rum Cruisers enjoy the tasting room at St. Nicholas Abbey

Rum Cruisers enjoy the tasting room at St. Nicholas Abbey

In addition to distillery tours, rum cruise passenger will visit Caribbean rum shops to peruse the myriad selection of rums of the Caribbean available for bargain prices.

Caribbean Rum Cruise Details

The 11 day Caribbean Rum Cruise begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, celebrating Thanksgiving Day in Puerto Rico.

Travel agent Deb Fogarty of Be Well Travel is handling all the details aboard the ship. The land tours are organized by Robert and Robin Burr, who have extensive experience with distillery tours around the world. “We look forward to sharing our knowledge, our enthusiasm and our appreciation of rum while introducing our friends to the people that make the some of the finest rums in the Caribbean.”

Caribbean Rum Cruise - legendary copper pot stills at St. Lucia Distillery

legendary copper pot stills at St. Lucia Distillery

For more information about the Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise, and to request space aboard the November 19-30, 2018 adventure, visit the Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise web site or call 954-778-5699.


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Rum Guide attracts rum enthusiasts the world over

The world of rum enthusiasts is an expanding neural network. Today, our website received visitors from more than 70 countries.The world of rum enthusiasts is a neural network.

Today, our website received visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Philippines, Australia, India, France, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria, European Union, Pakistan, Italy, Cambodia, Iraq, Belgium, Taiwan, Greece, Kenya, Netherlands, Denmark, Namibia, Algeria, New Zealand, Norway, Mauritius, Benin, Nepal, Lithuania, Israel, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Mexico, Bulgaria, Singapore, Sudan, Bhutan, South Africa, Hungary, Puerto Rico, Syria, Jordan, Guinea, Sweden, Albania, Romania, Qatar, Brazil, Congo – Kinshasa, Thailand, Curaçao, Laos, Spain, Morocco, Latvia, Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Antigua & Barbuda, Cyprus, Zambia and Trinidad & Tobago.

Florida A1A Cocktail Trail offers tropical libations

In North Florida, take the A1A Cocktail Trail when you want to enjoy a leisurely drive along the coast. The route combines amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean with stops at popular watering holes that feature tropical cocktails made with fresh Florida citrus and local craft spirits from St. Augustine Distillery.

North Florida's A1A Cocktail Trail features tropical cocktails made with Florida citrus and spirits from St. Augustine Distillery.

North Florida’s A1A Cocktail Trail offers a delightful adventure along Florida’s Historic Coastline, discovering tropical cocktails made with fresh Florida citrus and rum from the St. Augustine Distillery.

The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), St. Augustine Distillery and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) have created a trail of bars and restaurants along Florida’s Historic Coastline that serve up original cocktails made by experienced Florida mixologists.

“We are excited about putting Florida on the ‘map’ as a state that is creating some of the freshest cocktails. We’re combining locally made spirits from Florida agriculture with the world’s finest citrus, highlighting our long history of agriculture and sustainable production practices,” explained Philip McDaniel, co-founder and CEO of St. Augustine Distillery. “Together with the FDOC and VCB, we are proud to promote the Spirit of Florida.”

The A1A Cocktail Trail Passport

Get your official A1A Cocktail Trail passport at participating bars and restaurants from Atlantic Beach to St. Augustine.

A1A Cocktail Trail, tropical cocktails, Florida citrus, St. Augustine Distillery, Florida's Historic Coastline

Amy Carpenter from the Florida Department of Citrus (left) and Kara Pound from the St. Augustine Distillery (right) visit with Matt Stevens (middle), manager of A1A Ale Works in St. Augustine, to unveil the new A1A Cocktail Trail program.

Once your passport is stamped at all eight locations, redeem it for a free collectible A1A Cocktail Trail t-shirt and branded, wooden coaster set.

Passports are also available at the I-95 Welcome Center, the I-75 Welcome Center, the St. Augustine Distillery and Florida’s Historical Coast office in St. Augustine.

Discover Florida’s Historic Coastline

Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty, leisurely pace and delightful venues along Florida’s Historic Coastline.

A1A Cocktail Trail, tropical cocktails, Florida citrus, St. Augustine Distillery, Florida's Historic Coastline

Florida A1A – the beach road

Florida’s A1A is a north-south Florida State Road that runs mostly along the Atlantic Ocean, with sections from Key West at the southern tip of Florida, to Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island.

Saint Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the contiguous United States. Since the late 19th century, St. Augustine’s distinct historical character has made the city a major tourist attraction.

The St. Augustine Distillery is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner from 5 to 10pm, and lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday. The bar is open from 11:30am to midnight on Sunday and Monday, until 2am the rest of the week. Call 904-825-4962 or visit the web site.

Their craft rum spirits are produced on-site by master distillers from select regional sugarcane syrups and molasses in copper pot stills and then barrel-aged for a distinct flavor profile.

Drive Safely

If you don’t have a designated driver, consider using a car service to enjoy the A1A Cocktail Trail. For a list of recommended transportation companies in the area, visit the Florida Citrus web site’s A1A Cocktail Trail web page.

Caribbean Rum Cruise announces VIP distillery tours

The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise is coming. A seven day holiday cruise through the Eastern Caribbean, featuring VIP tours of rum distilleries along the way, is set to sail from Puerto Rico on Saturday, November 19.

The 2016 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise offers VIP distillery tours, departing November 19.

A delightful holiday rum cruise through the Eastern Caribbean promises special rum tasting events and VIP distillery tours aboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas cruise ship, departing November 19, 2016.

Rum cruisers will meet rum experts from around the world. They’ll find great rum bargains on each island and revel with fellow rum enthusiasts.

VIP Rum Distillery Tours

Details of the 2016 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise were recently announced by the Burr family, producers of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and publishers of Robs Rum Guide.

Robert A. Burr and his wife Robin will lead the land tours in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados, visiting rum shops, rum tasting rooms and distilleries.

The group will depart Puerto Rico on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas on a seven night cruise in search of Caribbean rum. The cruise returns to San Juan on Saturday, November 26. Guests will enjoy Thanksgiving Day in Barbados with specially planned events and a fabulous holiday meal.

The cost of VIP distillery tours with transportation is $300 per person, in addition to the cost of the cruise. The official travel agent coordinating the rum cruise is Deb Fogarty of Be Well Travel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The Ultimate Adventure For Rum Enthusiasts

“Rum enthusiasts and their friends will especially enjoy this unique opportunity to learn more about their favorite Caribbean spirits. These are exclusive guided tours by some of the most knowledgeable people in the world of rum,” said Ms. Fogarty. “We are privileged to offer a holiday cruise itinerary that combines all the luxuries of this modern ship with rare VIP access. You’ll love these special tours and fine rum tastings at these iconic distilleries and rum shops along the way.”

“It’s a rum lover’s dream come true: setting sail through the Eastern Caribbean on a holiday adventure to discover how great rum is produced, aged and blended.”

Space for the VIP tours and tastings is limited. Call 954-778-5699 for booking details or email: Deb@bewelltravel.com.

For more details on the 2016 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise, see the Rum Cruise web page. http://www.rumrenaissance.com/Cruise.html

2016 St. Croix Rum Festival set for May

The Flavor Of Rum is the theme of the 2016 St. Croix Rum Festival to be held at the historical Fort Frederik in Frederiksted, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands on May 29 of this year, from 3pm to midnight.

St. Croix Rum Festival - Flavor of Rum is the theme of the 2016 St. Croix Rum Festival on May 29 in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The St. Croix Rum Festival “Flavor of Rum” is scheduled for May 29 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, featuring a tasting of fine rum, as well as music and island cultural activities.

The event overlooks the magnificent backdrop of the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, the main cruise ship port in St. Croix, nearby to Frederiksted Beach.

Since the early 1800s, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been producing some of the world’s most notable rums, including the popular Cruzan brand.

In addition to many fine rum samples to taste, the festival features the best local food from some of St. Croix’s finest cooks and restaurants, with live music from local and international entertainers, a Bikini Contest, a BBQ Rum Contest and a Flair Bartender Show Competition. Also on hand will be artists displaying handmade crafts — a celebration of Virgin Islands’ unique lifestyle and culture.

According to event promoter Mr. George Moore, “the St. Croix Rum Festival is about the celebration and appreciation of numerous rums — a treat for both tourists and locals.”

In addition to the Sunday rum festival, a schedule of St. Croix tours on Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28 will be offered to participants.

Visit the official St. Croix Rum Festival “Flavor of Rum” website for complete details and to purchase tickets.

The St. Croix Rum Festival “Flavor of Rum” is produced by George Moore Productions.

International ShowRum Tasting Competition of Rome announces winners

The ShowRum Tasting Competition awards were announced as the annual ShowRum Italian Rum Festival in Rome concluded on Monday, September 29, 2015.

ShowRum Tasting Competition - 2015 ShowRum Italian Rum Festival Tasting Compeition awards announced

The 2015 ShowRum Italian Rum Festival held in Rome included the ShowRum Tasting Competition organized by Leonardo Pinto.

With two days of rum tasting for the public, and a third day just for the trade, this rum themed event drew large crowds of rum enthusiasts and spirit professionals. More than 130 rums were showcased in 30 exhibits, with a host of master classes and special events offered throughout the weekend.

The winners of the international ShowRum Tasting Competition, judged by a panel of rum experts from around the globe, have just been announced.

Column Still White – Angostura White
Column Still 1-3 – Bacardi Heritage
Column Still 4-7 – Abuelo 7
Column Still 8-15 – Abuelo 12
Column Still greater than 15 – Malecon Esp. 1985
Column Still No Age Declared – Havana Union
Pot Still & Blended 1-3 – Diplomatico Bianco
Pot Still & Blended 4-7 – Appleton Reserve
Pot Still & Blended 8-15 – Appleton Rare Blend 12
Pot Still & Blended greater than 15 – Appleton 21
Pot Still & Blended No Age Declared – Hampden Estate Gold
Agricole Style White – Damoiseau Pure Cane
Agricole Style 1-3 – Trois Rivieres Ambré
Agricole Style 4-6 – Trois Rivieres Vsop
Agricole Style greater than 6 – Dillon Selection Club 12 XO
Cachaca White – Pitú
Cacaçha Aged – Pitú Especial
Overproof Rum – Rum Fire Velvet
Spiced and Flavored – Rum Project One
Independent Bottler White – Plantation 3 Stars

This was the fifth annual event for show organizers Leonardo Pinto and Alessandra Penteriani. “We’re very happy with the response from our friends that love rum, want to learn more about rum and want to experience the best rums in the world,” said Leonardo.

Among the brands exhibiting were Bacardi of Puerto Rico, Havana Club of Cuba, Abuelo of Panama, Angostura of Trinidad, Appleton of Jamaica, Arcane of Mauritius, Beach House Spiced Rum, Brugal of Dominican Republic, Damoiseau of Guadeloupe, Debonaire of Dominican Republic, Dictador of Colombia, Dillon of Martinique, Don Papa of the Philippines, Diplomatico of Venezuela, Doorly’s of Barbados, El Dorado of Guyana, Flor de Caña of Nicaragua, Hampden Estate and J Wray of Jamaica, La Mauny of Martinique, Rum Malecon of Panama, Ron Malteco of Guatemala, Nine Leaves of Japan, Ocumare of Venezuela, Rons de Venezuela, Rum Fire of Jamaica, Sagatiba of Brazil, Santa Teresa of Venezuela, Trois Riveres of Martinique, Veroes of Venezuela and Wray & Nephew of Jamaica.

For more information, visit the web site at http://www.showrum.it.

Ohana: Luau by the Sea debuts in Ft. Lauderdale

The Fraternal Order of the Moai today announced the schedule for their upcoming event dubbed Ohana: Luau by the Sea.

Tiki fanatics are gathering for a celebration of Polynesian culture and authentic cocktails on the first weekend of October in Ft. Lauderdale as the Fraternal Order of the Moai presents their inaugural "Ohana: Luau By The Sea."

Ohana: Luau By The Sea is a big weekend gathering and celebration of tiki cocktails and Polynesian culture hosted by the Fraternal Order of the Moai (FOM) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the first weekend of October.

The FOM is the premier fraternal organization and social network for all men and women interested in tiki culture and the Polynesian pop era. Famous for the annual “Ohana: Lua On The Lake” summer event at The Tiki Resort on Lake George in upstate New York, these perennial party people are setting their sights on creating this new tiki-tastic event in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the first weekend of October.

In Hawaiian culture, Ohana means family in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related, adoptive or intentional.

Ohana: Luau by the Sea is a three-day charity event held in several locations in and around Fort Lauderdale for the great Moai tiki family to meet and enjoy quality time together. Locations include Kreepy Tiki rum bar, the famed Mai Kai Polynesian restaurant and the grand Ohana Luau located at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel.

If you enjoy classic tiki cocktails done the right way, live music, tiki vendors, great food, custom tiki carvings, poolside fun in the sun and a live Polynesian show, set your sails for Ft. Lauderdale on the first weekend in October.

The Ohana Luau by the Sea Kick-Off Party kicks off Thursday, October 1st at 7pm at the Kreepy Tiki Lounge, voted one of the best Tiki Bars in the US by Traveler Magazine. The theme of the party is Circus Sideshow and the bands and drinks will give new meaning to “The Greatest Show on Earth!”

Friday at the host hotel, the team from Miami Rum Festival will host the Great Rum Challenge, beginning with a short presentation on how to taste rum followed by a blind tasting competition to test the skills of participants. In the Rum Room, sponsor brands will showcase their products as brand owners are on hand to share their stories face to face.

Friday evening features a fabulous gathering at the World-Famous Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Bar starting with a special happy hour for Ohana from 7 to 9pm in both the Molokai Lounge and on the Lanai, with bus transportation. The evening progresses with dinner and a show by the Polynesian Islanders Review, the world’s longest running show of its kind. After dinner and stroll through the gardens there will be even more entertainment in the Molokai Lounge and on the Lanai.

Saturday guests will enjoy shopping for treasures in the Ohana Marketplace, enjoy some pool-side games, fresh music, pop-up bars serving delicious cocktails and several tasting events by sponsoring rum brands and organizations. And then…Saturday night is the grand Ohana Luau, a magical evening including dinner and dancing, with four great bands. All of your fun tiki friends will be there — both old and new.

For more information and to secure your tickets before they’re sold out, visit the web site for Ohana: Luau By The Sea.

Join Rob’s Rum Guide email list for fresh updates about rum.

Seven Day rum cruise visits Caribbean distilleries

It’s a rum fanatic’s dream. A luxury Caribbean Rum Cruise featuring VIP tours of rum distilleries — from large industrial factories to small plantation-style artisanal operations — spanning the week of November 15-22, 2015.

Departing from San Juan, the 2015 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise will visit Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Sint Maarten and St. Croix before returning to Puerto Rico.

Caribbean Rum Cruise - Calling all rum lovers! Don't miss the boat as the 2015 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise sets sail November 15-22 for a rum and fun-filled adventure with distillery tours throughout the Southeast Caribbean.

The 2015 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise visits rum distilleries and tasting rooms in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Sint Maarten, St. Croix and Puerto Rico from November 15 to 22 aboard the Royal Caribbean Jewel Of The Seas.

Organized by Deborah Fogarty at Be Well Travel, this Caribbean Rum Cruise offers a unique opportunity to visit six islands in seven days, with optional land tours visiting up to nine distilleries and visitor centers, plus rum seminars, special tasting events and visits to authentic island rum shops along the way.

The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Rum Cruise takes place on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, a dazzling Radiance-class ship which combines sleek swiftness, panoramic vistas, and wide-open spaces for maximum relaxation and comfort. All meals aboard the ship are included.

The Ultimate Caribbean Rum Cruise

Departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday, November 15 at 8:30pm, the ship sets sail for Barbados, arriving Tuesday morning for a full-day adventure.

Bridgetown, Barbados

The first stop is St. Nicholas Abbey, an old historic cane plantation where they create small batches of fresh rum from their own cane syrup in a copper pot still. After a stop for Bajan lunch, the group proceeds to another historic sugar plantation where Foursquare Distillery makes some of the very best rums in the Caribbean from both a traditional pot and a modern column still. The final stop in Barbados is the Mount Gay welcome center for a presentation of this iconic rum brand’s history and a VIP tasting of their finest rums.

Roseau, St. Lucia

On Wednesday morning, Caribbean Rum Cruise enthusiasts awake in St. Lucia to embark on a breath-taking tour through the verdant hills near Roseau valley. The St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies produces world class rums and liqueurs in a process that has, like its environment, changed little in a hundred years. Several types of copper pot stills produce unique distillates, which are aged in bourbon and port barrels. A special VIP tasting session reveals dozens of wonderful expressions.

St. John, Antigua

On Thursday, a visit to Antigua Distillery near the St. John’s cruise port reveals the copper Coffey column still used to create English Harbour rums, including the popular 5 year old, the 10 year reserve and the 1981 Vintage.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

The very popular Dutch port of Sint Maarten on Friday offers a myriad of fine shops in Philipsburg along Front Street with 100% duty-free prices. The tour visits the popular Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco shop for rum tastings and a fine selection of Caribbean spirits with great prices.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The island of St. Croix is the gem of the U.S. Virgin Islands. On Saturday, a day tour of the Cruzan rum distillery is followed by lunch and a visit to the Captain Morgan distillery and welcome center.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

As the ship saunters into Old San Juan harbor Sunday morning, passengers enjoy a leisurely final breakfast before departing. Americans exit through customs here in Puerto Rico, so there’s no need to go through customs again back on the U.S. mainland.

After disembarking, a visit to the distillery at Casa Bacardi reveals much about the company’s storied past and a view of this modern production facility in action. Back in Old San Juan, the DonQ Welcome Center is a great destination for refreshing cocktails and a presentation on the history of Puerto Rico’s number one rum brand.

Limited Availability

The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Rum Cruise and land excursions are limited to a small number of persons. For more information, contact Deborah Fogarty at Be Well Travel at 954-778-5699, or send email to: Deb@bewelltravelcruises.com

Richland Single Estate Old Georgia Rum delivers rich flavor

Richland Single Estate rum is certainly unique. From growing their own cane in Richland, Georgia, to reducing their fresh cane juice to syrup on the premises, implementing a unique fermentation and distillation process, and finally, aging their distillate in new oak barrels, the Richland Distilling Company produces an authentic, plantation style cane spirit from field to bottle.

Richland Single Estate - Attention to every detail of production -- from growing the cane, gentle pot distillation, and aging in new white oak barrels -- gives hand-made Richland Single Estate Old Georgia Rum a bold flavor profile reminiscent of fine Bourbon.

Richland Single Estate Old Georgia Rum is hand-crafted by Erick Vonk in Richland, Georgia.

Erik Vonk is a passionate and dedicated rum producer that goes to great lengths to control all aspects of his production process. Selecting only the most hearty varieties of cane grown on his property, harvesting with great care and crushing fresh juice, he takes a holistic approach to rum production nearly abandoned in the present day. Reducing his cane juice to a delightfully rich honey-like consistency — a superb example of southern artisanal cane syrup — provides a stable and full flavored base for his careful fermentation.

The pot still offers a gentle, rustic distillation that helps retain much of the cane flavor throughout the process, resulting in a fine, cane-forward distillate. The use of small white oak barrels for maturation lends a bourbon-like quality to the rum as it ages, taking on rich wood notes almost immediately.

Within 18 months, the spirit is turning a warm golden color and developing complex flavors. By 36 months, it’s nearly ready to bottle, close to peaking in its interaction with the oak casks.

Richland Single Estate Tasting Notes

On the nose, we find big bourbon oak. Charred and toasted wood dominates with subtle aromas of butter, cherry/apricot dried fruit spice cake, vegetal cane notes and a hint of Chardonnay. On the palate, bold and rich bourbon style notes lead to a building heat before echoes of Irish Whiskey and more wood carry into the mid-palate leading to buttery fruit cake and a fading hint of agricole in the long finish.

Richland Single Estate rum is rich. Bottled at 43%, it’s a bold statement of careful and deliberate production values, pride and craftsmanship. This is hand-made rum.

The 750ml bottle of Richland Single Estate Old Georgia Rum sells for $55.00.

Visit the distillery in Richland, Georgia to meet Eric Vonk and experience this authentic Richland Single Estate rickAmerican spirit first-hand.

333 East Broad Street
Richland, GA 31825-6109

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